### Wood Moisture Content and Its Significance
Moisture Mapping is an essential tool for understanding and controlling wood moisture content (WMC). WMC plays a crucial role in the durability, strength, and dimensional stability of wood. Excessive or insufficient moisture levels can have detrimental effects on wood, highlighting the importance of accurate moisture monitoring.
### Why is Moisture in Wood Bad?
**Reduced Durability:**
Excess moisture fosters mold, decay, and rot, compromising the structural integrity and longevity of wood.
**Compromised Strength:**
Wet wood loses its inherent strength, making it susceptible to bending, warping, and breakage.
**Diminished Dimensional Stability:**
Fluctuating moisture levels cause wood to expand and contract, leading to shrinkage, cracking, and gaps.
**Other Adverse Effects:**
– Difficulty in finishing and coating
– Increased corrosion and metal attachment failure
– Reduced insulation and energy efficiency